The Story of Gold Star Families

As we approach Memorial Day and in light of our current ongoing fundraiser, I wanted to take a moment to shed some light on Gold Star Families.

As a 26-year (and counting) active-duty Vet, I have had the honor of serving alongside some incredible individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. While many of us continue to mourn their loss and carry on with our lives, it is important to remember those who are left behind. The children, spouses, parents, siblings, and extended family members who now have a void in their lives that can never be filled.

A Gold Star Family is a designation that no one ever wishes to receive. It is a title given to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one – an immediate family member – who died as a result of active-duty military service. These families have endured the unimaginable pain of losing someone they loved dearly all while trying to navigate their own grief and healing journey.

According to a 2019 Military Times article, since 9/11, more than 16,000 troops have died in non-combat circumstances, with over 7,000 losing their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone. Additionally, there are thousands of living Gold Star Family members who have lost loved ones in previous conflicts such as World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more.

While our nation may not be engaged in a large-scale conflict like a World War, there are still over 1.3 million individuals serving in the military today. This means that there are families who are still grieving the loss of a recent fallen soldier. It is crucial for us to understand the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and to honor and support their families, especially during designated holidays like Memorial Day.

To all Gold Star Families, we honor and salute you. Your loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and we will never forget their service and sacrifice. Thank you for your strength, resilience, and unwavering support.